Autoinjector Curvi-Linear Plunger and Motor Gear System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional autoinjectors face challenges in ease of use, particularly for elderly or arthritic patients, as they require manual dexterity and alignment, and may not provide additional functionalities like injection site verification.
Innovation Solution
An autoinjector design featuring a motor-driven gear system, a curvi-linear plunger with resilient flanges, a door mechanism with spring biasing, and a sensor arrangement for injection site verification, along with a user interface for visual and audible feedback, to facilitate easier and more accurate injections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual force is used to drive medicament through needle, then device complexity is reduced, but ease of operation deteriorates due to required manual dexterity and alignment
Solution Approach 1:
The autoinjector is designed to automatically perform the injection process without requiring manual manipulation. The device self-activates through a simple trigger mechanism, automatically advancing the needle, injecting the medicament, and retracting the needle, thereby eliminating the need for continuous manual force and dexterity while maintaining operational simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical plunger system with an automated motor-driven injection mechanism. The motor actuates the plunger through a drive gear system, substituting complex manual mechanical operations with an automated electromechanical system that reduces user skill requirements while managing device complexity through integrated control
2Reliability
If button/plunger is continuously pressed during injection, then injection delivery is maintained, but reliability deteriorates due to risk of premature release
Solution Approach 1:
The autoinjector performs preliminary actions by pre-positioning the needle and pre-loading the medicament before activation. Once triggered, the injection sequence is automatically executed without requiring continuous user intervention, ensuring reliable delivery while simplifying operation to a single trigger press
Solution Approach 2:
The device incorporates feedback mechanisms through sensors that monitor injection progress, needle position, and medicament delivery status. This feedback ensures the injection completes reliably without premature termination and provides user confirmation, maintaining reliability while requiring minimal ongoing user input
3Adaptability or versatility
If conventional mechanical autoinjector is used, then automatic force for needle insertion is provided, but additional functionality such as alignment verification is not available
Solution Approach 1:
The autoinjector integrates multiple functions including alignment verification sensors, injection execution, and progress monitoring within a single device. The sensor arrangement verifies proper injection site alignment before activation, while the control system coordinates the injection sequence, providing versatile functionality without proportionally increasing device complexity through integrated design
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces purely mechanical operation with an electromechanical system that incorporates sensors and electronic control. This substitution enables additional functionalities such as optical alignment verification and electronic monitoring of injection parameters, expanding adaptability while managing complexity through modern electromechanical integration
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enhances user safety and ease of use by ensuring proper injection alignment and delivery, preventing premature needle withdrawal, and providing feedback for improved patient compliance and comfort.
Implementation Method 1
a door spring biasing the door in an open position
Implementation Method 2
a resilient flange, which in a non-deflected state, abuts a proximal collar of a syringe, and, in a deflected state, advances through the proximal collar and engages a stopper in the syringe
Data Source
AI summary
Described is an autoinjector comprising of a case, a motor adapted to rotate a drive gear, and a curvi-linear plunger adapted to mate with the drive gear. The plunger includes a distal end with a resilient flange, which in a non-deflected state, abuts a proximal collar of a syringe, and, in a deflected state, advances through the proximal collar and engages a stopper in the syringe.